Each spring, the Japanese eagerly anticipate hanami. Literally translated as “looking at flowers,” hanami celebrates the delicate pink flowers' fleeting beauty. People of all sects picnic under the blooming trees, enjoying Japanese drinks and food.
Virtual Travel with Umami: Shimane
Until we can all travel again, indulge in the deep history and food culture of Japan's beautiful Shimane prefecture virtually.
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Culture, Food Traditions, Seasonal, Spring
12 Months of Japanese Holidays: March’s Hinamatsuri & Shunbun
Although March is still cold throughout much of Japan and you may even see some snow, it marks the true beginning of spring. Two major holidays, Hinamatsuri and Higan, make it a festive time well worth celebrating—whatever the weather may be.
Try French Japanese fusion in Montreal and the best sushi outside of Japan in Vancouver with this World Travel Series Spring Edition.
Cooking Japanese food using vegetables that are in season results in fresh, vibrant, delicious dishes. In the month of May, you can use celery and young potatoes in a number of tasty Japanese dishes.
Are you seeking a refreshing Japanese beverage to enjoy during the spring and summer? Japan has many great options, from traditional sake to sweet plum wine. These five alcoholic Japanese drinks offer a little bit of something for everyone.
Once one of the five annual holidays held in Japan's imperial court, Tango no Sekku happens annually on May 5, the fifth day of the fifth month. In modern times, it is known as Children’s Day, or Kodomo no hi.
In the month of April, both asparagus and lettuce are in season and fresh, ideal for cooking flavorful and healthy meals. Try these delicious and healthy Japanese dishes using fresh April vegetables.
Japanese cuisine is well known for its use of fresh vegetables in season. In the month of March, both spring cabbage and broccoli are widely used in a number of Japanese dishes that are easy to make and pack a ton of flavor and health benefits.
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Quick & Easy Recipes
Traditional Japanese eggplant and chicken miso stir fry recipe and video plus tips on authentic Japanese stir-frying techniques that will have you outfrying the Iron Chef right in your own kitchen.
Bread + Cookie = Heavenly desserts! If you are a baker, try making your own bread and cookie dough.
Want to make an easy breakfast/lunch? Try the pizza toast but with miso for a Japanese taste.
Skewered grilled chicken covered in Teriyaki sauce is the perfect dish for everything from afternoon barbecues to formal dinners, and our easy-to-follow chicken tsukune recipe and video has everything you need to make it at home!
Ebi mayo is a popular traditional Japanese appetizer that you may have tried at an authentic izakaya bar. Now you can make them right in the comfort of your home kitchen with our easy-to-follow recipe and video.
Easy-to-follow recipe and video for enoki mushroom and spinach mayonnaise salad, plus everything you need to know about Japanese mushrooms and mayonnaise.
Many Japanese families have their own Nikujyaga recipes, which gets passed down from generation to generation. Discover your own take of the Nikujyaga recipe!
Ready for the ultimate easy to make nutrition-packed vegetarian meal yet? Then let's make this Shio Kombu tofu salad! This heart-healthy and flavorful salad is a versatile dish that can be whipped up in a matter of minutes.
A traditional part of Japanese food culture, soybean kinako tea, is a sweet and creamy drink that is made with black tea, soymilk, and kinako soy flour to add richness and creamy consistency. Learn to make it at home with our recipe and video!
Quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. This recipe for tofu teriyaki sandwiches is both vegetarian and loaded with Umami. Learn how to do it right with our easy-to-follow recipe and all of our cooking tips here.
Latest Stories
A lifestyle in Shimane consists of fresh seafood from the Japan Sea, mountains with bountiful seasonal harvests, and the rich history of fermentation culture. Take a look into life here in Shimane and what it has to offer.
Shimane has many food products unique and special to its culture and history. From green tea to roses, there is something for everybody. To dig deeper into the food history of the area, meet the people maintaining Shimane's identity.
Exploring Shimane through its tea and soba is one way you can get an introduction to its history and culture. Learn how they are committed to keeping this food tradition alive and thriving in Shimane.
The vegan boom in recent years shows similar movements in Japan, and vegan sushi is also becoming popular. Learn how to make your vegan sushi easily at home!
No-bake cheesecake, or rare cheesecake, is a popular Japanese dessert menu. Adding silken tofu makes it healthier, and a hint of zesty yuzu syrup would make this dessert a total game changer!
Shiro Dashi is about to change your Japanese cooking game! It's such a versatile ingredient you can easily recreate Japanese flavor at home.
